Soprano Lauren Jelencovich, Acclaimed Yanni Vocalist, Brings Her Powerful Voice to Carlsbad

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

The folks at Carlsbad Community Concerts are bringing a very special concert to the P.R. Leyva Auditorium. Set for January 17, the concert offers Carlsbad a rare opportunity to experience the vocal prowess of an artist who has performed in some of the world's most iconic venues.

Lauren Jelencovich came out of the Manhattan School of Music and is no stranger to high-profile performances. As early as 2010, she has been a featured lead vocalist with Yanni and has performed on six continents. Readers may recognize her from the PBS special Yanni Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico, or as the primary soprano on the track "Nightingale" from Yanni's Inspirato album.

Even with all of these prestigious credits and accomplishments, she cites Disney "princess songs" as one of her musical influences.

Jelencovich's journey to the international stage began early. While still in high school in Florida, she won the grand prize on Ed McMahon's Next Big Star. That show was the successor to the iconic Star Search. The acclaim she received for her appearance and stellar performance set the stage for a diverse career that defies easy categorization.

"I try to combine musical theatre, pop, and opera into one," Jelencovich has said of her approach, citing influences ranging from opera greats Joan Sutherland to pop icon Celine Dion on top of Disney princess songs.

When asked for some reflection on her career to this point, she said, "(Going) on tour with Yanni was such a beautiful way to see the world and connect with fans everywhere!

"From performing in front of the Pyramids of Giza and shooting three PBS specials—these were all life-changing moments in my career. I was also lucky enough to sing with him at Radio City Music Hall. My whole family and friends were there for it, which meant the world to have their love and support!"

For Lauren, being a performer seems to be the common thread running through all parts of her life, tying them together. "I love meeting new friends and fans, and I really try to make that happen at every show,” she said. "I always want to take the time afterward to come out and let them know how much it means to me that they are there with me."

When asked about how performing to huge sold-out international crowds compares to performing to smaller rooms like Carlsbad, she said, "This is my first time performing in Carlsbad. Coming to different towns with intimate settings and venues is something I truly love. I try to recreate that feeling of closeness in larger spaces, too, but it always excites me to be in intimate settings. I love connecting with people and bringing them into what I'm doing on stage. I want them to feel like they're right there with me.

"I'll be singing music from artists and shows I love, including Dolly Parton, Elvis, and Wicked, so there's a wonderful mix of classic, iconic, and theatrical moments," Lauren said. "It's an intimate concert where everyone in the room becomes part of the experience. I love telling stories, interacting with the audience, and creating moments that feel spontaneous, unique, and genuine."

Tickets for the evening are now on sale.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Jelencovich